Adrian native Kellen Davis set for Super Bowl

In September, Kellen Davis was cut by the Cleveland Browns. Today, Davis will suit up for the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl.

"I don't know," Davis said about how he got to where he is today. "It's just nuts."

Davis, an Adrian High School graduate, is in his sixth season as a tight end in the National Football League. After playing his first five seasons with the Chicago Bears, Davis was let go by the team, despite catching 19 passes and two touchdowns in 2012. About a week after the Bears cut Davis, he signed with the Cleveland Browns and figured to be part of the Browns passing game.

But before playing a game with the Browns, he was cut again. Ten days later, on Sept. 11, the Seahawks – a known Super Bowl contender – picked up Davis. While he has caught only three passes for 32 yards, he has contributed to the NFC champions.Davis, listed as 6-foot-7, 265-pounds, is obviously excited to be playing in Super Bowl.

"It's kind of like a bowl game atmosphere, but 100,000 times more," he said from New Jersey this week. "It's intense. It feels like we have been waiting a long time to play in this game."

The 28-year-old played in 15 Seahawks games this season and caught a touchdown pass.He said the two-week break has been eaten up with media commitments and some intense practice time.

"We're ready. We are just fine-tuning things right now," Davis said. "We installed everything last week, so now we are honing in it all and making sure everyone is on the same page. We are practicing hard every day and doing our thing. We've tried not to get away too much from our regular schedule."

Most of media blitz was over Thursday. At that point, Davis said, it was time to re-focus on football.

"The next couple of days, our job is to just stay focused and then play ball," he said.

Growing up in Adrian, Davis played high school football for Bill Kohn and the Maples. He was among the most sought-after recruits in the state after his senior season when he caught 10 touchdowns and averaged 19 yards a catch for the 10-1 Maples. He played college football for Michigan State University and was an All-Big Ten performer.

He was a fifth-round draft choice of the Bears. His best season was 2011 when he caught five touchdowns.

Davis is not the only Adrian connection in today's Super Bowl. Adrian native Tom Heckert is the director of pro personnel for the Denver Broncos. Ironically, he, too, worked for the Cleveland Browns for a time as general manager. Heckert was unavailable for comment.

Family, Davis said, has been instrumental in his success.

"I really appreciate all of the support from everyone back in Adrian. I am going to go out and try to win a Super Bowl for them," Davis said. "I have to tell my family thanks for all they have done. If you work hard and stay dedicated, good things will happen."

Davis said playing in a Super Bowl has been on his mind since he was a kid. None of the distractions from the media or weather forecast will steal this moment.

"Anyone who ever laced up their cleats dreams about playing in the NFL and then the Super Bowl," he said. "I am fortunate enough to have had that opportunity to do both. I've been really blessed."